I believe that most people have experienced the trouble caused by constipation, especially pregnant women and the elderly. Sedentary life and poor eating habits are one of the main causes of constipation. In addition to lifestyle intervention, laxatives are also required when necessary. There are a dazzling array of laxatives on the market now. You need to choose the appropriate laxative based on your age and drug characteristics. Don’t be blind.

1. Osmotic laxatives

Common osmotic drugs include salt laxatives and lactulose, as well as sorbitol and polyethylene glycol. Oral administration of drugs can create a hypertonic state in the intestines, increase intestinal water content, and thereby increase stool volume. At the same time, this type of medicine can stimulate intestinal peristalsis and facilitate defecation, and is suitable for people with mild to moderate constipation. Osmotic laxatives are more effective, but they should not be used excessively to avoid causing water and electrolyte imbalances. It is worth reminding that such drugs will ferment under the action of bacteria to produce a large amount of gas, which can cause bloating and other discomforts.

2. Prokinetic drugs

Mosapride and itopride are common prokinetic drugs that can directly act on intestinal nerve endings to provide power for intestinal peristalsis. Conducive to the elimination of feces. Prokinetic drugs are suitable for people with slow transit constipation, whose main symptoms are less frequent bowel movements and dry and hard stools. However, this type of medicine can easily cause adverse reactions such as nausea and vomiting, headache, dizziness, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

3. Volumetric laxatives

Volumetric laxatives are easily absorbed by the intestinal wall, absorb water in the intestinal tube and then expand, thus increasing the content of feces and expanding the intestinal volume, which is beneficial to the stomach. Intestinal peristalsis produces a defecation reflex, which can relieve constipation symptoms. However, you should replenish water properly during medication to avoid mechanical intestinal obstruction. Use volume laxatives with caution in people with suspected intestinal obstruction and fecal impaction.

4. Stimulant laxatives

Rhubarb, castor oil and senna are all stimulant laxatives, which are fast-acting and powerful. Drugs and drug metabolites can directly stimulate the intestinal wall and accelerate gastrointestinal motility. However, long-term medication can affect the intestinal water and electrolyte balance, affect the body's absorption of vitamins, and cause irreversible damage to the intestinal myenteric plexus. In severe cases, it can lead to large intestine muscle weakness, fecal incontinence, and drug dependence.

5. Microecological preparations

Lactobacilli, enterococci, and bifidobacteria are common microecological preparations, which can improve the intestinal microecological environment and speed up the gastrointestinal tract. Peristalsis shortens the residence time of feces in the intestines and reduces the absorption of harmful substances in the intestines. It is suitable for almost everyone with constipation.

6. Secretagogues

Secretagogues can stimulate the secretion of intestinal juice and speed up the discharge of feces. However, these drugs are only suitable for adult women over 18 years old and are prohibited for use by adult men and children. . It is also contraindicated in people with mechanical intestinal obstruction and allergies to this drug.

7. Lubricating laxatives

Kaiserol, glycerin suppositories and liquid paraffin are common lubricating laxatives, which can lubricate the local area and soften the stool, facilitating the discharge of feces. Suitable for the elderly who are at high risk of constipation and have insufficient intestinal motility. However, people who have difficulty swallowing should be careful with liquids, otherwise aspiration may occur.

Warm Tips

Elderly people with constipation give priority to osmotic and volumetric drugs. For severe constipation, stimulant laxatives can be used temporarily; children give priority to saline enema or Keselose, which can also be used. Choose lactulose, etc., which are safe, effective and have few side effects. In addition, you should adjust your diet, drink more water, and eat more foods containing dietary fiber. If constipation has seriously affected work and life, surgical treatment is required.

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